Surface Tension Desk by Lukas Peet

Canadian designer Lukas Peet has designed a writing desk, Surface Tension based on the tension of leather, resulting in a forgiving working surface. Following is some information from the designer, “The leather is stretched over the rigid maple frame, as all connections with the skin and body are eased by the use of subtle radiuses. While the tables proportions are defined by the sharp outer edges of the legs.

I was interested in how stretched leather becomes hard with the application of tension, and while under tension still remains forgiving, creating a hard/soft surface. This creates a working surface that would be easy on the users hands, wrist, arms and elbows as well as allowing their pen to glide easily over the paper. I was interested in how this tension could be contained while still communicating the tensile load that the table frame is under, showing the balance achieved by the carrier and the surface.

The table is proportioned to be a focused working space, allowing enough room for only your current work. While communicating the tension of the surface through the overall design of the table. Each material was chosen based on its individual qualities, and left untreated to emphasize their honest natural materiality. Leather for its ability to be stretched tight, maple for its precision and stability and steel for its strength.

The tables connections are based on each materials individual characteristics, resulting in a table about the feeling, distinctive qualities and properties of the materials used. I wanted all the materials used to be left natural since each was chosen for their own unique characteristics and properties and therefore should be left recognizable.”